VT-2 Leadership

Commanding Officer

CDR Benjamin Norris, originally from Traverse City, MI, graduated the Coast Guard Academy in 2002 with a BS in Electrical Engineering and served his first fleet tour as the Damage Control Assistant onboard the ice breaker, USCGC Mackinaw. He then attended Naval Flight training in Pensacola, FL and was designated a Naval and Coast Guard Aviator in June 2005.

CDR Norris then reported to his first aviation assignment, Air Station Detroit, and earned his designation as an HH65B/C Aircraft Commander, his shipboard qualification and Aeronautical Engineer designation accumulating 577 Search and Rescue (SAR) hours.

In 2010, he received orders to Air Station Kodiak, Alaskan Patrol division, supporting fisheries enforcement as well as search and rescue operations in the Bering Sea. While in Kodiak he conducted shipboard helicopter operations, served as a MH65D flight examiner, and the Alaskan Patrol Engineering Officer.

In 2012 CDR Norris was selected for the Coast Guard's Avionics and Program Management post-graduate school. He attended the Colorado School of Mines earning his Masters of Science in Program Management and completed his certification as Project Management Professional.

From 2014 to 2018, CDR Norris served as the Short Range Recovery Projects Branch Chief at the Coast Guard's Aviation Logistics Center, Elizabeth City, NC. As Chief of design, development, testing and production, his team fielded and supported several major acquisitions for a fleet of 99 MH-65 helicopters including a $102M component modernization for the MH-65D and a $315M MH-65E avionics and radar upgrade.

Prior to selection for command of VT-2, CDR Norris served as the Aeronautical Engineering Officer of Air Station Atlantic City, NJ. His department of 150 was responsible for the readiness of 12 MH65D aircraft, sustaining a continuous alert air intercept capability in the protection of the National Capital Region, the President as well as providing continuous search and rescue coverage from Long Island to the southern shore of Maryland.

CDR Norris assumed duty as the VT-2 Commanding Officer on 4 March 2023.

CDR Norris has accumulated over 3,200 flight hours including 1,500 Pilot in Command hours in the HH65B/C, MH65C/D/E and 240 test and evaluation hours in the MH65E. Additional aircraft include the T-34, T-6 and TH-57. He holds certifications as a Professional Project Manager and Airline Transport Pilot.

His personal awards include: 2020 Coast Guard Aviation Engineer of the Year, Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal.